2. digital
  3. 184520-166368

Is it still worth buying a Lumin x1 in 2023?

Hello,

 

i currently have a Lumin D2 in my system, and i want to upgrade (I know ... typical audiophile problem :-) ).

My system is the following:

Speakers: Spendor sp100r2

Amp: Grandionote Shinai

Streamer: Lumin D2

Power isolation: Puritan PSM 156

Why do i want to upgrade?

I want "more of everything": more clarity, more details, more extension on both ends, better vocals, less digital sounding ... I like music, i don't want something too analytical. I want to be able to seat, enjoy and relax.

 

I've considering adding a DAC to my D2, but a local dealer told me that i should change my streamer and get a T3.

Initially i had this list of DAC in mind (5k price range):

  • T+A DAC 200 
  • Gen. Grand DSDac 1.0 Deluxe
  • Sould note D2
  • Aqua La Scala

Then, looking around, i found a great deal on a demo Lumin X1 ... a bit more than my budget ... but i can stretch.

Now my question: I read a lot of very positive review on the X1, but i'm a little nervous because it is a 5y old device ... and it will be a big investment, quesiton:

  • is it wise to go for a 5y old device
  • How long will i be able to enjoy it before services stop working on it?
  • Is it it better to get a new DAC and connect it to my D2 (and eventually upgrade to a more modern streamer later)?
  • MOST IMPORTANT: Will i get a better sound with the x1 compared to the D2 + a modern DAC in the 5k price range?

What do you all think?

 

best

 

T

 

128x128thibaultgeoui
gerrie
107 posts
 

Goodmorning T, i am sitting with the same problem i have also the D2 and i am also thinking to connect him at an external dac. I was thinking to take the gustard A26 or the chord Qutest is somebody who try's this combinations.

goldprintaudio's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
goldprintaudio
502 posts
 

Unfortunately, it's going to be a little hard to answer all your questions as I doubt there many people that have heard a D2 with your listed dac options versus an X1.  

Will the X1 eventually become obsolete, sure....but so will every other streamer that's out there currently. Even at 5+ years of age, the X1 is still one of the best streamers on the market (Imho).  We really are not seeing a ton of new streaming features in the near future that would lead to short term obsolescence.  

I personally lean towards one-box streamers as my preference, but if you really would like to have a separate dac, you may actually want to consider swapping your D2 for a U2/U2 Mini in combo with one of the dacs you are considering.  

gerrie
107 posts
 

Goldprintaudio, is that not throwing money away? Why dont use the d2? the dac is the one who must do the job.

dinov's avatar
dinov
790 posts
 

Wow, you bet you’ll get a major upgrade! This type of source component in this day and age is pretty much the center of your audio system that can handle about 90% to 100% of your music needs, absent a turntable. The x1 is top notch in every way. Lumin was on my short list when I wanted to purchase a streamer to handle the music on my NAS, quobuz etc. I eventually went with an Esoteric for may reasons but most importantly it allowed me to use dac with other components. That’s my story but to address your question, the x1 would be a major upgrade. 

erik_squires
15,687 posts
 

The best answer to more of everything is a better room.

If you want the thrill of change and shoppin for it, maybe you want to get an additional amp or speakera you can rotate in?

More to discover